Cumulus Clouds Over Jamaica by by Keith Pomakis CC 2.5
The internet has connected us like never before. We can email and gchat with friends and coworkers. We can share documents and collaborate on projects with someone across the ocean. With all this technology something called cloudware has been created. Cloudware is a way to save and back up applications on a server without a using up space on your computer’s hard drive. Cloudware also allows you to access your work anywhere you might be, as long as you have internet or a data provider service.
As someone who uses google docs constantly, cloudware helps keep schedules aligned, tasks together, and partner editing capabilities all in one place. In schools, I believe that teachers could use google docs to work together to discuss lesson plans and ideas for a standard. Google docs could also be used by students who are asked to work on a project together. They can meet and plan in class and work on the same assignment in their own homes. Teachers could also use SnagIt to do a Flipped classroom model.
When flipping a classroom, the students learn the material at home, through reading or a video, then come to class the next day to practice what they learned with classmates and teacher support. All of this is, of course, assuming that students will all have internet access and a computer to use at their house. Unfortunately this is not the reality for all students. The beauty of cloudware is that is accessible anywhere, you can work with a variety of people from all over the world. The problem is, it is only possible for those who have the means to access the software.
the hidden pineapple 
I love the idea of a flipped classroom but I am not sure that it could ever be a reality for most classrooms at most schools. How would a student without computer access be able to prepare for the next day of class? Until the playing field is truly leveled with all students being given equal access to the basics of technology in order to have the ability to participate in online type teaching this will never be a reality for most schools. Good thoughts in your blog!
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I also like the idea of flipped classrooms. I think it can help students prepare for college, and monitor their assignments, grades, and hw. But, I also agree with Mary, that it would be a disadvantage for students who do not have access to a computer at hw. Today in this modern word, school districts should partner-up with computer companies that can provide computers for every student.
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I had the same thoughts as Mary. At this point, a flipped classroom is so hard to do as many students do not have access to computers or the internet outside of school. I often wonder to what extent parenting is responsible for this, especially when most of us serve children from low-income families. Some families truly are not able to provide more than they do, but others who can choose not to. There is definitely an uneven playing field for children.
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